Christ has died. Christ IS risen.
We continue our 40 days of fasting in preparation for 50 days of celebration. May God strengthen our charity towards those in poverty of body or spirit.
Quote of the Month
“I do not know you, God, because I am in the way. Please help me to push myself aside.”
-Flannery O’Connor
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Photo above by Jimmy Joe Savage. Lenten decor for “The Light Is ON For You” at Holy Trinity Parish, East Liverpool, Ohio.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
The Communique collects important information provided by diocesan offices for parish ministry leaders. It also includes promotional materials for diocesan events and programs, where applicable.
Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager, at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 x275.
The printable format publication is sent by email as a PDF or Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):
- Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/apr2025comm
- Video: Saving Communique Attachments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8Uim_okAE
Announcements suitable or adaptable for parish bulletins are noted. Where applicable, links to attachments and graphic files are included for each office below: click to save/download the file.
Other Events & Shared Publicity
Events from around the diocese can also be found on The Catholic Echo Events Calendar. You can upload or find publicity for Catholic organizations outside of diocesan offices in our new Shared Publicity Folders. All at youngstowndiocese dot org emails have access to these folders, and others can request access.
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
- June 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
1st
Events for February
2nd
Webinar: The Search for Sacred Synergy: A Clergy – Musician Panel Discussion
Events for February
3rd
Lunch & Learn Webinar: Catholic Social Media Platform
Events for February
4th
Events for February
5th
Events for February
6th
Divine Mercy Chaplet | Fridays, Alternating Diocesan Cemeteries
Events for February
7th
National Marriage Week
Cemeteries Lunch & Learn: Give the Gift of Faith & Love
Events for February
8th
New Episode of Wineskins
National Marriage Week
Events for February
9th
National Marriage Week
Grief Support Invitation: FRIENDS IN THE UPPER ROOM
Events for February
10th
National Marriage Week
Grief Support Invitation: FRIENDS IN THE UPPER ROOM
Monthly Cemetery Mass
Events for February
11th
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
National Marriage Week
Grief Support Invitation: FRIENDS IN THE UPPER ROOM
Events for February
12th
National Marriage Week
Deadline to Sponsor ENCOUNTER 2026
Online Course Begins | From Christendom to Apostolic Mission
Grief Support Invitation: FRIENDS IN THE UPPER ROOM
Events for February
13th
National Marriage Week
Grief Support Invitation: FRIENDS IN THE UPPER ROOM
Cemeteries Lunch & Learn: Give the Gift of Faith & Love
Monthly Cemetery Mass
Events for February
14th
National Marriage Week
Events for February
15th
Events for February
16th
Online Course Begins | Sowing God’s Word
Events for February
17th
Events for February
18th
Ash Wednesday
Pick Up Your CRS Rice Bowl for Lent
Events for February
19th
Pick Up Your CRS Rice Bowl for Lent
Events for February
20th
Pick Up Your CRS Rice Bowl for Lent
Events for February
21st
Pick Up Your CRS Rice Bowl for Lent
Events for February
22nd
New Episode of Wineskins
Pick Up Your CRS Rice Bowl for Lent
Events for February
23rd
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
Online Course Begins | Adolescent Catechesis: Forming Youth as Disciples
Events for February
26th
Events for February
27th
Events for February
28th
Chancery
Click the name of the office to read the announcement titles, and click the headlines for more information. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Safe Environment Materiales de Boletín (in Spanish) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (in English) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Updated Contact Information for Diocesan Collections – Due to staffing changes at diocesan offices, the contact information for diocesan collections in 2026 have changed since they were released last Fall.
- Church Overseas Combined Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Church Overseas Combined Collection will be held the weekend of January 24/25, 2026. Parishes can use these bulletin announcements.
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Bulletin Materials) – The theme for the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2026, is “There is one body, and one spirit, just as you are called to the one hope of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:4).
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín)
The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (Bulletin Materials)
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
JUBILEE 2025 EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration (Bulletin Materials)
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- February is Catholic Charities Awareness Month – February designated as “Catholic Charities Awareness Month” in the Diocese of Youngstown.
- February is National Black History Month – February is National Black History Month and provides an opportunity to highlight the National Black Catholic Congress.
- International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking – On February 8, Catholics all over the world are encouraged to host or attend prayer services to create greater awareness about this phenomenon.
- Catholic Relief Services – Rice Bowl Collection – CRS Rice Bowl—Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program—invites us to reflect on how caring for our neighbor is caring for Christ.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Voice of Hope Dinner on May 1, 2025 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
Volunteers Needed – Join Us in Service and Fellowship! (Bulletin Materials)**
We are actively seeking volunteers to assist with office tasks and upcoming fundraising events in Ashtabula, Ohio during regular office hours. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people, and enjoy fellowship and fun while making a meaningful impact.
If you’re interested in sharing your time and talents, please contact us by calling 440-992-2121 – Or, send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org.
We’d love to have you join us!
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
Opening Doors Parenting Class (Bulletin Materials)**
The Opening Doors Program is a free ten-week evidence-based parenting, leadership, and advocacy program for parents/custodians/guardians with children ages 0-5. The next class starts April 15, 2025. Registration is required. Contact Carrie A. 440-992-2121 ext. 7049 or carriea@doyccac.org.
Download FLYER for complete details.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties
URGENT PLEA – Volunteers Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is looking for volunteers to help with the increased demand for pantry services in both the Canton location and the Ravenna location. Pantry volunteers will typically work a 2-3 hour shift and can choose to work weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on their personal availability. Clients will schedule pantry visits in advance, and pantry volunteers will prepare the grocery bags based on client selections. Compare this to the “Giant Eagle Shoppers” that prepare groceries for pick-up customers. However, this is much easier! In addition, volunteers may be asked to assist with other routine tasks such as dating incoming goods, rotating products, and general organization.
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org and we will forward your information to the proper location!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Prison and Jail Ministry (Bulletin Materials)**
The Office of Peace and Justice is seeking to expand the volunteer program for prison ministry. If you, or someone you know, is interested in ministering to the incarcerated, please contact us. Volunteer opportunities available in all six counties. For further information contact R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice, at 330-744-8451 x 245.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- SEEK26 – SEEK26 participant waivers are DUE Friday, December 19th. All communications with the Diocesan delegation will be sent via email or GroupMe.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: December 2025 & January 2026 – Join us for a weekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: January & February 2026 – “Wineskins” features reflections on the lives of the saints and the sacred scriptures, along with thoughts on a variety of topics and issues from a Catholic perspective.
- Lunch & Learn on 2/3: Catholic Social Media Platform – The creators of the Catholic Social Media platform are now making suggested content available from Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown, The Pontifical Mission Societies, OSV News and #iGiveCatholic.
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins & The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials)**
Learn more at catholicecho.org/podcast
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CALL FOR RECIPES! (Bulletin Materials)**
The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome. For more information or to submit a recipe, email catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.
Catholic Echo logos are included on the DOY Brand page: doy.org/brand
Clergy and Religious Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2026 – Ongoing Education & Formation: In-person formation about AI – January 26. Appeal Kick Off Luncheon on January 27 at St Michael (Canfield).
- Praise and Worship Nights for Vocations – Join us as we pray for an increase in vocations. For more information contact Fr. William Wainio in the Office of Church Vocations, wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Parish Vocation Ministry & Called By Name Initiative – The Office of Church Vocations is sponsoring “Called By Name” on the weekend of January 24 & 25, 2026 and has provided materials for parishes to publicize this initiative. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
- 2026 Vocations Bulletin Blurbs & Intercessions – Cycle A (Bulletin Materials) – Please use these weekly reflections to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doy.org/vocations/
- Facebook: doyvocations
- Instagram: doyvocations
Development and Stewardship Offices
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- News About the Appeal: CONGRATULATIONS! 100% – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- Dec 2025-Mar 2026 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) – It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at www.doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Spring 2025 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín) -NEW
It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Pastoral and Educational Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Welcome to Catechesis: Introduction to the Church’s Vision of Catechesis – Welcome to Catechesis: A Four-Session Online Introduction to the Church’s Vision of Catechesis from NCCL
- Upcoming Training for Level 1 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – St. Paul in North Canton will host Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 (ages 3 – 6) training in June
- Lifelong Learning: NEW Courses For Adults in February 2026 – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. The courses are offered online and in-person.
- In-Service on February 10 regarding Mental Health for Parish Ministers – In-Service Day for Parish Ministers regarding Mental Health will take place in Niles on February 10, 2026.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry, plus Catechist Cafe’ website (Bulletin Materials)- Updated – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for personal reflection, small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday at 225 Elm Street, Youngstown. We also share resource ideas and links online on our Catechist Cafe’ website.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry – (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at: Dates have been announced for the 2026 Cathedral Concert Series.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- SEEK26 – SEEK26 participant waivers are DUE Friday, December 19th. All communications with the Diocesan delegation will be sent via email or GroupMe.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
- Diocese of Youngstown Celebrates Catholic Schools Week January 25th-January 31 – The annual celebration includes a variety of events running from January 25-31
- Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) Marketing Toolkit (Bulletin Materials) – Ohio taxpayers can reduce their 2025 state tax return through a donation to the Good Samaritan Scholarship up to $750 per individual or $1500 married filing jointly. DOY maintains this Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) and distributes it to families based on financial need. Leading up to Catholic Schools Week, parishes & schools are encouraged to use the SGO Marketing toolkit to promote their local Catholic schools.
- Catholic Schools Week 2026: CCO Resources for 2026 EdChoice Campaign (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Conference of Ohio has compiled resources which Catholic parishes and schools may share during Catholic Schools Week, or anytime, to highlight EdChoice scholarships that make Catholic education more affordable.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Resources to Promote School Affordability (Bulletin Materials) **
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Theology on Tap is BACK! (Bulletin Materials) **
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
Miscellaneous
The Necrology (In Memoriam) for Diocesan Clergy is now available online!
Many thanks to Robalyne Sciubba for keeping the printable Necrology updated.
Gratitude to Rev. Joseph Ruggieri who has created a Google calendar to help you pray by date.
Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Rosary at the Cemetery Chapel on the 1st Wednesday at 10am (Bulletin Materials) – Pray the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel of any of our four Diocesan Cemeteries.
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of our four Cemeteries at 3:00p.m. every Friday at alternating locations.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fridays at 3pm (Bulletin Materials)
Rosary at Four Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Please share these flyers and bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:
Other Events
FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?
You are invited to submit events and announcements for The Catholic Echo to Editor-in-Chief Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org.
Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Shared Publicity Folders -UPDATED LINKS
Catholic parishes, schools, and lay organizations are invited to share your flyers, images, and bulletin announcements using Google Drive. All @youngstowndiocese.org emails should have access to these folders, and others can request access on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to all requests within one business day and appreciate your patience.
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
- June 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2025sharedoy
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